minerals: a unifying theme for earth science institute for middle and high school teachers by...
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Minerals: A Unifying Theme for Earth Science Institute for Middle and High School Teachers
by
Nathalie Brandes
Allison Hein
Theodore Bornhorst
Francis Otuonye
Teachers Earth Science Institute
for Middle and High School Teachers Funded by the National Science Foundation
Goal Enhance content knowledge and pedagogical
skills of middle and high school science teachers through inquiry-based activities that integrate concepts in mathematics, physics and chemistry with economics, history and social sciences
Theme
Use minerals and mining as a vehicle to enhance the learning and teaching of science in middle and high schools
Learning and teaching in the local environment
Objectives Provide inquiry-based active learning
environment for members of scientist/teacher teams by hands-on field experiences and laboratory work
Increase ability of teachers to discover and apply scientific knowledge and reasoning to real world situations
Objectives Equip teachers with skills and materials to
discover the world about them and to integrate skills into classroom practice and adoption by students
Demonstrate through hands on experience how to integrate science disciplines with other academic domains such as economics, history and social sciences
Strategic Teacher Commitments Attend institute sessions for three weeks in
summer and two weeks the following summer Permit school visitations during the academic
year Maintain a journal of experiences resulting
from institute attendance and participation Develop and implement classroom plans and
activities that incorporate materials from the institute
Strategic Teacher Commitments Share experiences and materials with
colleagues Serve as role models and mentors to new
science teachers Participate in institute assessment and
academic year workshops Become a resource to schools, districts and
professional organizations
Collaborations Red metal Minerals Cleveland Cliffs Empire Mine White Pine Copper Refinery Peninsula Copper Industries Superior Sand and Gravel Keweenaw Gem and Gifts Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Homestake Mining Company, Lead, SD
Teacher Benefits Inquiry-based field experiences and laboratory
sessions led by scientists and researchers Classroom materials, model lesson plans, manuals,
workbooks, mineral kits and other take-home materials related to mineral exploration, mining, mineral recovery and use, and environmental stewardships
Formal professional development sessions in assessment and leadership
Teacher Benefits Graduate certification credits (up to 6
semester credits) Stipends of $60 per day ($300 per week) Free room and board Round-trip transportation reimbursement Hard hats, hearing protection, safety glasses
and steel toe boots
Demographic Data of Teachers During the grant, 115 teachers attended the first year of the
Teachers Earth Science Institute 108 of these teachers returned the following summer 47 male and 68 female teachers participated 107 from public schools and eight from private schools 67 taught at high school level, 39 at middle school, 5 taught
middle/high, 3 elementary/middle, and 1 elementary Participants represent 34 states from Alaska to Hawaii Years of teaching experience ranged from 1 to 31
Activities Mineral Exploration Mining Mineral Processing Environmental Protection Culminating Activity
Mineral Exploration Geology and geologic
formations Mineral formation Mineral identification Field trips to geologic and
mineral formations
Mining Estimation of mineral reserves Mining techniques Field trips to surface and
underground mining operations
Drilling and blasting Mucking and rock support Mineral hunt
Mineral Processing Mineral processing techniques Crushing and grinding Concentration (gravity
separation, magnetic separation, flotation, etc)
Field trips to mineral processing plants and refineries
Environmental Protection Reclamation Remediation Recycling
Culminating Activity Inquiry-based integrative
research on opening a mine Feasibility studies Data acquisition Data analyses Interpretation Report and presentation
Components of Each Activity Build teachers’ understanding to explore connections
and relationships Provide field and laboratory experiences with
scientists and researchers that provide connections to real world applications
Guide teachers in active and extended scientific inquiry that promote higher order thinking skills
Integrate math and science inquiry teaching resources that model exemplary curriculum and instructional models
Components of Each Activity Provide opportunities for scientific discussion Integrate instructional technology with real world
connections Provide instructional materials that are easy to
obtain, transport and implement in classroom Continuous monitoring of achievement that engage
teachers in communication of scientific and mathematical information
Documented Outcomes Classroom change and refinement in
instructional approach to science Curricula change include topics and courses
not previously offered Collection of learning activities using mining
as a vehicle for teaching required topics Cadre of teacher leaders who can provide
professional development to other teachers
Documented Outcomes University faculty who have adapted their teaching
to include more focus on inquiry and can provide more assistance to K-12 educators
Cadre of 115 teachers who will continue to seek field-based research experience programs that will enhance their teaching
Increase in the number of teachers who are pursuing advanced degrees in science education
Summary* TESI is an excellent example of teaching and
learning in the local environment Past participants are using their knowledge
from the institute in ways that capitalize on local resources and geography
All phases of TESI are important to the classroom application, especially the final integrative project
* From report of external evaluators (Julie Stafford and Billie Sparks)
Summary* Immersing teachers in research and learning with
scientists and engineers is an outstanding way for teachers to learn science and the processes scientists use in their work
Both summers are important to successful classroom application
Teacher recognition of the ways to relate scientific learning to real world issues is enhanced as evidenced in the classroom tasks the teachers designed for their students
Lessons Learned Immersion-type professional development activity
through research experiences has staying power Concepts are solidified, experiences are enriched,
and retention enhanced by spanning the professional development activities over a period of two summers
TESI built a learning community of teachers who have developed personal and professional relationships
Poster sessions enhanced confidence to share experiences through presentations at national, regional and local meetings and conferences